Nature groups call on public to help our toads

WILDLIFE groups are calling on members of the public to help them look out for toads on the roads who have been squashed in their quest to reproduce.

Run over as they attempt to cross the road, scores of toads fail to reach their preferred breeding ponds each year.

Toads can travel up to two kilometres and mass migrations are common anytime from January to April.

But the Sussex Wildlife Trust and the Sussex Amphibian and Reptile Group are encouraging people to report toad crossing points.

The two groups are trying to establish the toads’ migration pattern so they can put up signs and establish patrols, reducing the number of toads killed each year.

Jess Price, conservation officer for the Sussex Wildlife Trust, said: “We trying to find out where toads are crossing and being killed, raise awareness and put the information out there.

“And we would like to see toad patrols in places where there is high mortality but we need to find out where the problems are. Sometimes it’s main roads, but often it’s on country roads that we don’t know about and only local people can tell you what is happening.”

Although their conservation status is classed as Least Concern worldwide, in the UK toads are a declining species because of factors such as pollution and habitat loss.

But Jess hopes that the three-year study being conducted by the two groups will determine how much road deaths are contributing to the toads’ decline.

Anyone with information is being asked to contact Jess Price on 01273 494777 or email wildcall@sussexwt.org.uk.